03-20-2024 ECC MIN
Meeting of the Elk River
Energy City Commission
Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2024
Members Present: Chair Vern Iverson (virtual), Commissioners Grupa, Peterson,
Miller, Burandt, Dombrovski, Fomby, and Youngs.
Staff Present: Suzanne Fischer, Env. Services/Special Projects Director
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Energy City Commission
was called to order by Commissioner Fomby at 8:31 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Fomby led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Oath of Office
Commissioner Fomby administrated the Oath of Office for Barb Burandt and Leo Dombrovski.
Council liaison Grupa administered the oath of office for Matt Fomby.
4. Consider Agenda
Commissioner Dombrovski motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Youngs.
5.1 Consider Minutes
Commissioner Miller moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Chair Iverson.
6.1 Call for Special Meeting: A special meeting was called by the Commission to work on goals.
Commissioners Fomby, Iverson, and Miller volunteered to be on the Goals Sub-Committee. The
special meeting notice will be posted and is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2:00- 4:00 p.m. in the
Upper Town conference room.
6.2 Follow-Up from Park & Rec Commission meeting of 3.10.2024.
Chair Iverson and Council liaison presented the ECC’s position on obtaining another solar table for
one of the city’s parks. Park & Rec Commission Chair summarized the presentation in three points:
1) Is the Park & Rec commission interested?
2) What park is their preferred for location
3) Are funds available to help offset the cost; or, to fund fully, if the DNR grant is not
awarded.
It is anticipated that this item will be brought to a future Park & Rec Commission for further
discussion and guidance.
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6.3 2 Quarter Star News Article Assignment
Commissioner Dombrovski will draft the next article on Energy, Sustainability, and related issues.
Discussion followed on energy sources. Commissioner Youngs stated that ERMU buys their power
from MMPA (MN Municipal Public Association), and Commissioner Dombrovski could contact
them prior to drafting his article, as they are a good educational resource.
6.4 Solar Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for May 2024 on a Tues or Weds. @ 4:00 – 4:30 to
accommodate Brycen’s school schedule. Commissioners Burandt and Dombrovski volunteered
to plan the event. Their activities include developing an invite list, speaking notes for the Mayor
and Chair Iverson, introduction of Brycen Jones, his parents, and his troop members. A public
notice will be posted in the Star News as well as posted on the city’s web and Facebook pages.
6.5 Field Trip Opportunities
Chair Iverson updated the Commission on the upcoming Xcel energy tour of the Monticello
Nuclear Power Plant. He mentioned to bring appropriate ID, SS, etc. and to wear cotton (vs.
polyester) for the tour. The tour is scheduled for Thursday, March 28 from 9:00 am to 12:00
noon. Energy City and ERMU staff will meet at 8:15 at City Hall and carpool to Monticello.
6.6 Other Commission Updates
No other Commissioner updates.
There being no further business, Commissioner Youngs moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Miller. The meeting was adjourned at 9:36am.
Suzanne M. Fischer 3.20.2024
Suzanne M. Fischer Date
Environmental Services/Special Projects Director
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